For the next ten days, hundreds of thousands of people will descend on the Clark County Fairgrounds as the 2011 Clark County Fair kicks off in Ridgefield.
Approximately $8.4 Million in direct transactions occur every year at the fair, according to event organizers. That accounts for direct cash transactions for items such as admission, concert tickets, food and merchandise, with a total economic impact of more than $20 million to Clark County – a major boost for the business community.
“The fair is here to inspire business for everyone. Not just the carnival, not just the food vendors, not just the commercial vendors, but all of Clark County,” said Matthew Ferris, Clark County Fair marketing manager. “The way that happens is people come from out of state and outside of the county and spend money at our gas stations, at our hotels and at our restaurants. That’s a big thing; that’s all extra money coming this way.”
Ferris said the fair, which runs through August 14, has a number of new and returning sponsors this year. Part of what keeps businesses coming back, he said, is the understanding that more and more families are opting for the convenience and locality of the county fair in this tough economy.
“The staycation has found its niche and the fair is a big part of that,” explained Ferris. “That can be proven as a trend across the country right now, as all county fairs are up in attendance.
“The Washington County Fair just recently wrapped up and I believe they finished up 22 percent over what they normally do,” added Ferris. “Typically you can gauge how your vendors are going to do by attendance.”
Additionally, Ferris said an increasing number of businesses are looking to become a trade sponsor, where the business provides materials like tenting in return for exposure at
the fair.
“Considering that the economy has changed so much over the last few years, the sponsorships have had to change as well,” said Ferris. “It has forced me to be a lot more creative in how I present my sponsorships.”
For-profit businesses aren’t the only ones looking to benefit from the county fair. New this year, ten local non-profit organizations will have the opportunity to raise money through the “Catch a Coupon Booth.” For a small donation, fair goers will have a chance at catching a variety of coupons provided by a number of local businesses.
“That booth alone has inspired all sorts of different businesses to step up,” said Ferris, adding that he’s still looking for additional businesses that want to contribute.
“Give me a coupon that will help drive traffic to your location,”
he said.
From nonprofit participation to commercial sponsorships, event organizers don’t expect the 2011 Clark County Fair to disappoint anyone the business community.
“More than 350 businesses and nonprofits are involved in the Clark County Fair each year and the fair is of tremendous benefit for those involved,” said Justin Kobluk, executive director of the Clark County Event Center.
For more information on the Clark County Fair, visit www.clarkcofair.com. To contribute to the “Catch a Coupon Booth,” contact Matthew Ferris at Matthew.Ferris@clark.wa.gov.
